Wyoming House Bill HB0135

Wyoming 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Report Pass: 1/30/23
• Failed: 2/6/23

Caption

Cities and towns-abandoned and nuisance buildings.

Impact

If enacted, HB 0135 will enact significant changes in how local governments can tackle the challenges presented by abandoned or deteriorating properties. By allowing tax credits for owners who perform approved improvements, the bill aims to encourage investment in urban areas that may be suffering from neglect, ultimately enhancing property values and revitalizing neighborhoods. This could lead to a noticeable transformation in community aesthetics and safety while also potentially reducing crime rates associated with neglected structures.

Summary

House Bill 0135 pertains to cities and towns specifically addressing the issues surrounding abandoned and nuisance buildings. The bill provides a framework that allows local governing bodies to designate properties as abandoned or nuisances. It also authorizes these bodies to implement tax credits for property owners who expend funds for the improvement or demolition of such designated properties, incentivizing renovations and restorations that contribute to community health and safety.

Contention

However, the bill does not lack points of contention. Critics may argue that the framework for determining what constitutes an abandoned or nuisance property could be subject to abuse or misinterpretation, leading to disputes between property owners and municipalities. Additionally, there are concerns that while the bill promotes improvement, it may not adequately protect the rights of property owners who may face unjust designation of their properties as nuisances. As local governments gain more power under this bill, the possibility of overreach raises concerns among some stakeholders who advocate for property rights.